What I loved about Launceston was that even though it has been brought into the current century with new infrastructure and features, it still embraced its history which contributes to the cities charm.
Launceston is known to many as the gateway to the superb Tamar Valley wine region and being Tasmania’s second-largest city its airport is a hive of activity with incoming and outgoing visitors. During our three-night stay, we discovered there was much to enjoy in and around this Riverside City that we are sharing the 6 best things you can do in Launceston with kids
1. City Park
Launceston has many delightful parks and gardens that are alive with colour in any season. None though are quite as special as City Park. A lush green park filled with giant oaks, surrounded by Georgian streetscapes and old-world charm.
Images courtesy of Tourism Tasmania
Macaque Monkey Enclosure
The city park has a long history of exhibiting animals with Japanese Macaques (also known as snow monkeys) being kept since 1980. The monkeys were presented to Launceston by their Japanese sister-city Ikeda, and their enclosure is designed to reflect the range of habitats that the monkeys would encounter in the wild. This free enclosure is a brilliant place to view these inquisitive and intellectual animals, and it’s saddening to think their numbers are diminishing in the wild.
Conservatory
The John Hart conservatory is filled with a beautiful collection of seasonal annuals for everyone to enjoy. Stroll through the conservatory or take a seat and enjoy the hundreds of plants beautifully displayed in the conservatory. The conservatory is a wonderful space to enjoy peace and relaxation. The historic building was erected in 1932 and refurbished in 2010 as a joint project between Launceston City Council and the Federal Government through the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program. 
Fun for the Kids
Two enduring favourites for children in the park is riding Lonnie the Loco train and playing on the train shaped playground. Lonnie the Loco will take your family on a little journey around the park for a small fee. To burn off some energy, the playground is one of the best playgrounds I have come across for toddlers and also has a section close by for the older children.
Opening Hours
If you are visiting City Park for more than a picnic under the trees the monkey enclosure, conservatory and mini train tour all have an opening and closing times.
The John Hart Conservatory is open weekdays from 8.30am-4.30pm and weekends from 9.00am-4.30pm (April-September) and 9.00am-5.30pm (October-March).
The Macaque Monkey Enclosure is open from 8.00am-4.00pm (April-September) and 8.00am-4.30pm (October-March).
The John Hart Conservatory is open weekdays from 8.30am-4.30pm and weekends from 9.00am-4.30pm (April-September) and 9.00am-5.30pm (October-March).
Lonnie the Loco operates on most days from outside the conservatory.
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2. Seahorse World & The Southern Ocean Aquarium
Have you ever been close enough to a seahorse to hold it in your hands? Only 45 minutes from Launceston you will be able to do exactly that! The landscape as you make the journey was one of the greenest we came across on our driving trip around Tasmania. It was lovely and scenic, past vineyards, through Tamar wetlands to Beauty Point, where you will find Seahorse World and Platypus House.
Seahorse World is dedicated to seahorse breeding, education, and conservation and is one of very few seahorse farms in the world that are registered to export seahorses and sell them to countries all around the world.
When you arrive, you take the 45 minute guided tour explaining in full details about the seahorse, the different types, and breeding cycles. As the establishment is a working seahorse farm, you will go behind the scenes and witness the seahorse in their enclosures in all stages of their life.
The final room you enter is the Southern Ocean aquarium where you will see many of the sea creatures that live in the Tasmanian waters. Learn about giant cuttlefish that change colour to suit their surroundings. See a Tasmanian giant crab and lobster up close and of course, hold a seahorse and starfish with your own hands. The guide is extremely informative on all the sea creatures and was happy to answer all the questions being thrown her way.
Gift Shop
The end of the tour leads you out through the gift shop selling a large range of souvenirs for you to buy. If you fell in love with the seahorses during your tour, Seahorse Australia (the parent company of Seahorse World) sells and delivers seahorses worldwide.
Opening Hours
Seahorse World is open every day from 9.30am-4.30pm with the only exception being Christmas Day, where they are closed.
Tours depart regularly from 9.30am– 4.00pm (4.30pm in peak times or if booked) (December to April).
Tours depart on the hour from 10.00am to 3.00pm (4.00pm tours may be conducted if booked in advance) (May to November)
3. Platypus House
Tasmanian platypuses and Tasmanian echidnas are unique and cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
After you purchase your tickets, you will be taken to watch a 15-minute video on the platypus. You will then be guided into the platypus ponds area to watch the platypus swim and play in their enclosure while the guide shares the biology and interesting facts on both the platypus and echidnas.
The next room on your visit has a large tank to see the platypus being fed. I must admit the highlight of platypus house were the echidnas. At the end of the tour, you are taken into the Echidna gardens where the three echidnas are given dinner literally at your feet.
Opening Hours
Platypus House is open every day from 9.30am-4.40pm (November to April) and from 10.00am-3.30pm (May to October). The only exception being Christmas Day, where they are closed.
Facts
The platypus is one of the few venomous mammals with the males having a spur on the back of their feet that is connected to a venom secreted gland. The venom can cause excruciating pain for humans, so be aware the next time you see one of these in nature.
The echidna’s spines on their back are like a single hair which grows into one thick spine, and these spines fall out all the time, similar to hair does.
Cafe
After visiting both the platypus house and seahorse world, we couldn’t resist stopping at the Café in Platypus House for a warm drink and giant homemade melting moment cookie. It was a cold day otherwise we would have selected the kids ice-creams they offered at great prices.
Money Saving Tip
Seahorse World is right beside Platypus Place making it an easy walk and convenient to visit both in the one day.
You can purchase a Tamar triple pass including access to Beaconsfield mine which makes it cheaper than visiting each separately.
4. Launceston Heritage Walks
The best way to absorb Launceston’s history and experience its historical charisma is by walking the City. Launceston has three walking trails that vary in distance and time. They will all take you on a journey through time to witness examples of this Cities history. The Launceston Heritage Walks Souvenir Map can be found here.
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5. Cataract Gorge
We left the best till last, Cataract Gorge was a highlight in Launceston. The three wonderful things about this landmark are its only 15 minutes from Launceston City, entry is free, and you can stay as long as you desire. Cataract Gorge is home to many walking and hiking trails, picturesque scenery, colourful gardens, a variety of wildlife and the world’s longest single span chairlift.
Williams Collins, of the brig Lady Nelson, first observed the area in 1804 and wrote: “the beauty of the scene is probably not surpassed in the world.”
Parking
There are two parking spots for the gorge, but the largest and the one that has the easiest access to facilities is off Basin Road.
Walks and Hiking Trails
Many walks are suitable for prams, but be warned you are in for a workout at times as not all of them are flat or paved. Cataract walk was the most suitable with a stroller as it was an easy sealed track that followed the South Esk River rapids down to the magnificent Kings Bridge, which dates back to 1864. We were lucky enough to see two giant seals sunbaking on the rocks and frolicking in the water along this walk.
Another walk not to be missed is over the 1940 Alexandra suspension bridge. It was constructed across the South Esk River at the top of the First Basin to connect the two sides of the river. The Alexandra Suspension bridge has a slight sway as you cross overlooking the First Basin, free swimming pool, and surrounding bushland.
Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve
Image courtesy of Tourism Tasmania
Eating at Cataract Gorge
The Basin Café is on the West Launceston side of the Cataract Gorge reserve grounds, near the main station chairlift. They are open daily from 8.00am and offer breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon Tea. This is also where you will find the souvenir shop and a kiosk, selling light snacks, drinks, ice creams, and confectionery.
We spent most of our time in the cliff grounds reserve where you will find The Gorge Restaurant and another kiosk. The Gorge Restaurant showcases Tasmania’s finest produce and is a wedding and function venue. Their opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 noon for Lunch and Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm for Dinner.
We chose to order from the kiosk which had a variety of food and drinks on offer. There is lovely outdoor seating where you can relax and watch the famed resident peacocks roaming in the gardens. Alternatively select a takeaway and sit in the grassed area behind the kiosk. It is surrounded by beautiful pastel hydrangea flowers, all the colours of the rainbow.
Gorge Scenic Chairlift
If you prefer not to walk from one side of First Basin to the other or if you just to see Cataract Gorge from another perspective the scenic chairlift is the perfect option. The chairlift span is 308 metres making it the world’s longest and gives you a birds eye view of the Gorge, Alexandra Suspension Bridge, the river, and bushland.
The chairlift has two seats together with a safety bar across your lap (similar to that of a ski chairlift). Children under eight years must be accompanied by an adult, however only our five-year old went on this adventure as we did not feel comfortable taking a restless two-year old up to those heights.
The alternative to the chairlifts if you want to cross to either side of the river is the First Basin Loop. Another easy part-sealed walk taking you underneath the chairlift with close views of the river, basin, lawns and free outdoor swimming pool.
6. Where to Eat in Launceston
As we were staying at an Airbnb, we did not get the opportunity to try all the local dining options our hosts recommended. We can, however, tell you about our fabulous lunch at Cuccina Cafe in Launceston, 60 Margaret Street, Launceston.
From the outside, you may not realise this is a Café, but that may be how the locals like it, keeping it all to themselves. It was raining as we ran through the doors of Cuccina Café. It’s not a large Café but this added to its atmosphere and when we arrived just before lunch order ended it was a hive of activity. The menu options were fabulous with many choices on offer. What Cuccina lacked in style they made up for with their food, which to be honest is what we care about. Their portion sizes were enormous, and their food was extremely tasty. It is little wonder why they have great reviews on Tripadvisor.
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